Get ready to fall in love with a truly delightful treat that’s perfect for elevating your brunch or teatime — the Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe! These scones boast a delicate balance of zesty lemon brightness and subtle floral notes from the culinary lavender, all wrapped up in a tender, flaky texture that melts in your mouth. Whether you’re new to baking scones or a seasoned pro looking for a fresh twist, this recipe promises a beautiful blend of flavors and aromas that will fill your kitchen with warmth and irresistible charm.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe calls for simple yet carefully chosen ingredients that work harmoniously to create those soft, buttery layers and aromatic flavors that define the Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe. Each component, from the cold butter to the fragrant lavender, plays a crucial role in the scones’ perfect texture and enchanting taste.
- 2 cups all-purpose flour: The base of your scones, providing structure with a light sift for fluffiness; gluten-free flour works well if needed.
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar: Adds just the right touch of sweetness; try coconut sugar for a lower glycemic index alternative.
- 1 tablespoon baking powder: Helps your scones rise, and choosing aluminum-free ensures a cleaner flavor.
- 1/2 teaspoon salt: Balances the sweetness and enhances overall flavor.
- 1/2 cup unsalted cold butter, cubed: Cold butter is the secret to those flaky layers, so keep it chilled!
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender, gently crushed: Infuses a delicate floral aroma without overpowering the lemon.
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from unwaxed lemons: Brightens the scones with fresh citrus oils — a spotlight flavor.
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, chilled: Makes the dough tender and rich; plain yogurt can be a tangy substitute.
- 1 large egg, room temperature: Adds moisture and helps bind the ingredients together.
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for topping: Sprinkled on top, it gives a delightful crunch and sparkle after baking.
How to Make Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe
Step 1: Cut the Butter into the Flour
Begin by cubing your cold unsalted butter into small pieces. Incorporate these into your flour mixture until it resembles pea-sized crumbs — keeping everything cold here is critical, as it’s what creates those tender, flaky layers we all adore in scones. Using chilled butter prevents it from melting prematurely and ensures the right texture.
Step 2: Add the Lavender
Next, gently crush your dried culinary lavender and fold it into the flour-butter mixture. Lightly massaging the lavender buds lets the floral notes distribute evenly throughout the dough without releasing bitterness, which can happen if they’re crushed too harshly. This step introduces that subtle, enchanting aroma that distinguishes this recipe.
Step 3: Add Lemon Zest
Zest your unwaxed lemons directly over the dough mixture to capture those radiant lemon oils. This adds a fresh, vibrant aroma that pairs beautifully with lavender’s floral touch. If you have extra zest, don’t toss it — freeze it for later baking projects or to flavor teas!
Step 4: Combine Wet Ingredients
In a separate bowl, whisk together your chilled heavy cream and room temperature egg until pale and well mixed. This creamy mixture adds moisture and richness, crucial for a tender crumb. Carefully pour this liquid into your dry ingredients and stir just until the dough comes together — be gentle to keep those scones light and airy.
Step 5: Shape and Fold the Dough
Turn your slightly sticky dough onto a floured surface, and gently pat it into a one-inch thick circle. Fold the dough over itself once to create layers, a simple technique that adds that lovely flakiness without overworking the gluten, which can make scones tough. This careful folding is a game changer for your final texture.
Step 6: Chill the Dough
Place your dough disc onto a baking sheet, then refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This relaxation period firms up the butter again and helps the dough hold its shape during baking, so your scones puff up beautifully instead of spreading flat. Patience here really pays off!
Step 7: Bake and Finish
Before placing the scones in a 400°F preheated oven, brush the tops with a bit of cream and sprinkle turbinado sugar for a sparkly, crunchy finish. Bake for 15 to 18 minutes until golden brown and wonderfully fragrant. Your kitchen will smell heavenly, and you’ll know you’re moments away from enjoying the Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe!
How to Serve Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe
Garnishes
For an elegant finish, a light drizzle of lemon glaze or a spread of clotted cream really complements the scones. A few fresh lavender sprigs or thin lemon slices make for a pretty, aromatic garnish that fits perfectly with the flavors inside.
Side Dishes
Pair these scones with a pot of Earl Grey tea or a refreshing floral iced tea to echo the lavender notes. Fresh berries or a fruit compote also lift the experience by adding juicy bursts of sweetness alongside the crumbly scones.
Creative Ways to Present
If you’re serving these at a brunch or gathering, consider stacking a few on a decorative tiered tray with bowls of jam, honey, and whipped cream nearby. Wrapping individual scones in parchment paper tied with a sprig of lavender is a charming touch that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe in an airtight container at room temperature if you plan to enjoy them within 2 days. This keeps the texture just right without drying out. Avoid refrigerating as it can make scones stale faster.
Freezing
These scones freeze beautifully — wrap them tightly in plastic wrap and place in a freezer bag. They’ll keep fresh for up to 3 months, giving you a quick, luxurious treat whenever the craving hits. Just thaw at room temperature before reheating.
Reheating
To refresh your scones, gently reheat in a warm oven at 300°F for 5 to 7 minutes. This brings back that just-baked warmth and crispness on the outside while keeping the interior soft, as if they just came out of the oven.
FAQs
Can I use fresh lavender instead of dried?
Fresh lavender has a stronger, more intense flavor, so it’s best to use dried culinary lavender in this recipe to avoid overpowering your scones with bitterness or a soapy taste.
What if I don’t have heavy cream? Can I substitute it?
Yes! Plain yogurt is a great substitute and will still give your scones a tender crumb, although the flavor will be slightly tangier. You can also use whole milk, but the texture won’t be quite as rich.
Are these scones gluten-free?
The recipe uses all-purpose flour traditionally, but you can substitute a measure-for-measure gluten-free flour blend to make gluten-free scones that taste just as delightful.
How can I prevent my scones from turning out dry?
Be careful not to overmix the dough, and keep your butter and other ingredients cold. Overworking the dough or letting the butter melt before baking can lead to drier scones. Also, avoid overbaking.
Can I make mini scones with this recipe?
Absolutely! Just reduce the baking time slightly, keeping an eye on them as they’ll bake faster. Mini scones make perfect bite-sized treats for parties or snack times.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the joy of biting into a warm, flaky scone bursting with bright lemon and delicate lavender. The Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe is truly a treasure to add to your baking repertoire — simple to make yet impressive in flavor and texture. I can’t wait for you to try this recipe and experience the magic of these charming scones yourself!
Print
Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones Recipe
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 18 minutes
- Total Time: 38 minutes
- Yield: 12 scones
- Category: Baked Goods
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: British
Description
These Perfect Lemon Lavender Scones are tender, flaky, and fragrantly infused with citrus and floral notes. The combination of fresh lemon zest and dried culinary lavender creates a delicate balance of bright and soothing flavors. Made with cold butter and heavy cream, these scones boast a light texture with golden, slightly crunchy tops sprinkled with turbinado sugar for an irresistible finish. Ideal for a sophisticated morning treat or elegant afternoon tea.
Ingredients
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour, lightly sifted (substitute with measure-for-measure gluten-free flour)
- 1/3 cup granulated sugar (coconut sugar can be used for a lower glycemic index)
- 1 tablespoon baking powder (aluminum-free recommended)
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 2 teaspoons dried culinary lavender, gently crushed
- 1 tablespoon lemon zest from unwaxed lemons
Wet Ingredients
- 1/2 cup unsalted cold butter, cubed
- 2/3 cup heavy cream, chilled (plain yogurt can be substituted)
- 1 large egg, brought to room temperature
- 1 tablespoon turbinado sugar for topping
Instructions
- Prepare Butter and Flour Mixture: Begin by cutting the unsalted cold butter into small cubes. Incorporate this into the sifted flour, sugar, baking powder, and salt mixture until it resembles small, pea-sized pieces. Keeping both the butter and dough chilled is essential for creating tender, flaky layers in the scones.
- Add Lavender: Add the gently crushed dried culinary lavender into the flour and butter mixture. Massage it lightly to evenly coat each lavender bud, which helps distribute the floral flavor without crushing the buds, thus avoiding bitterness.
- Add Lemon Zest: Zest the unwaxed lemon directly over the flour and lavender mixture to capture the lemon oils, imparting a fresh and bright aroma to the dough. Extra zest can be stored in the freezer for future use.
- Mix Wet Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk the chilled heavy cream and room-temperature egg together until pale and well combined. This ensures the liquid is emulsified and ready to incorporate into dry ingredients.
- Combine Wet and Dry: Pour the cream and egg mixture into the dry ingredients and gently stir just until the dough begins to hold together. Avoid overmixing to keep the scones tender and light.
- Shape Dough: Transfer the shaggy dough onto a lightly floured surface, then gently press it into a circle about one inch thick. Fold the dough over onto itself once to create layers, which will produce flakiness without overworking the gluten.
- Chill Dough: Place the dough disc onto a baking sheet and refrigerate for about 20 minutes. This chilling step firms the butter again and helps the scones maintain shape and puff when baking.
- Prepare for Baking: Preheat the oven to 400°F. Before baking, brush the top of the dough with a little cream and sprinkle evenly with turbinado sugar to add a crunchy, sweet topping.
- Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 15 to 18 minutes, or until the scones are lightly golden and fragrant. Remove from the oven and allow to cool slightly before serving.
Notes
- Use gluten-free flour for a gluten-free version.
- Substitute coconut sugar for granulated sugar to reduce glycemic index.
- Aluminum-free baking powder is preferred to avoid metallic taste.
- Keep butter and cream chilled for best flaky texture.
- Do not overmix the dough to prevent tough scones.
- Extra lemon zest can be frozen for months in an airtight container.
